On Two Wheels: Tom LaFleur's vintage Harley-Davidson

When we last left Tom LaFleur of Springfield back in 2008, he was the owner of arguably one of the finest vintage Harley-Davidsons ever seen in the area, a 1949 “Pan Head” Hydra-Glide.

A motorcycle of museum quality, what made LaFleur’s motorcycle different was the fact he actually drove it as his everyday bike.

Since then LaFleur has added several more gems to his collection, and true to his “Nothing Beats Old School” ways, LaFleur drives all of his machines on a regular basis.

Picking up right where he left off, LaFleur managed to find a museum quality 1953 Harley-Davidson “K” model Sportster, a 1951 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car equipped with a legendary “Flathead” motor, an absolutely pristine 1967 Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster, and rounding out LaFleur’s collection are a chopped 1954 Harley “K-H” model sportster and also a 1984 Harley “Iron Head” XLX Sportster.

Of particular interest is the three-wheeled Servi-Car, manufactured by Harley-Davidson from 1932 to 1973. Intended as a delivery vehicle, the Servi-Car found a variety of uses the least of which was its use as a police vehicle.

LaFleur’s Servi-Car has been nicely restored with a healthy dose of chrome thrown in and new upholstery to go along with the re-built “Flathead” motor.

Once again LaFleur has utilized the talents of Larry Pelletier of Spike’s Custom Paint in Southwick to make sure the Servi-Car and the rest of his bikes really “pop” when viewed. Not many Servi-Cars can be found in this type of condition let alone still running.

Another eye-catcher in LaFleur’s collection is his stunning 1967 XLCH Sportster decked out in cobalt blue and white paint.

“I was able to purchase this bike from the original owner,” says LaFleur. “I also have a set of all chrome tins (gas tank, front and rear fenders) for this bike that I swap occasionally.”

Another prized piece to the collection is the 1953 “K” model Sportster, the forerunner of today’s modern Sportsters. This particular motorcycle was purchased by LaFleur from a museum and is in near perfect condition. These bikes are very hard to come by in this shape as many of them (like LaFleur’s 1954 model) were broken up and re-built in different configurations, some of the first “choppers” if you will.

Another thing that LaFleur has done in the last four years is purchased a computer and cell phone, neither of which he owned when I first met him.

“It makes it so much easier to find parts for these old bikes given that there are so many collectors,” says LaFleur. “If I need a particular part, usually someone somewhere has on for sale.”

This is important since LaFleur does all his own repairs and mechanical restorations and has spent countless hours working on each of these bikes.

So chances are if you are out and about at any motorcycle event in the Greater Springfield area, you will run into Tom LaFleur riding one of his “Jewells.” Stop and say hello and talk bikes with him. After all there is nothing like “Old School”.

Goings on

We have reached that time of year where the Melha Riders annual Hospital Run is upon us. The Hospital Run benefits the Shriners Childrens Hospital in Springfield and this year’s event will be held on August 19th, sign-ups begin at 10 a.m. at the Westwood Restaurant located at 94 North Elm St. in Westfield. The cost is $15 per person and food and entertainment is included. After riding from Westfield to the Childrens Hospital in Springfield, the after ride picnic will be at the Melha Shrine Center located at 133 Longhill St. in Springfield. This event has been very successful in the past and your continued participation will help it to continue that way. I can’t say enough about the wonderful job the Melha Riders do year in and year out.

On August 12th, Anthony’s on New Ludlow Rd. in South Hadley are having their 1st Annual Bike Run for Local Childrens Charity. The run starts at 11 a.m. and the cost is $20 per bike and $5 per passenger. There will be vendors, food, music and most of all, girls. Log on to www.anthonysclub.com for more information.

Also on August 12th it will be the 3rd annual Charlie’s Ride out of TSI Harley-Davidson on Route 83 in Ellington, Conn. Registration is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and the 30 mile escorted ride will end at Big Shot Billiards in East Windsor for an after party. The cost is $30 per bike and you can save $5 if you pre-register. All proceeds to benefit St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center. Log on to www.charliesride.org

And finally on August 12th, there will be the Summer Swap Meet at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Conn. from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.